Arsenal weigh up move for Nottingham Forest gem Jamaal Lascelles

Arsenal are weighing up a bid for rising Nottingham Forest star Jamaal Lascelles.

The Gunners and a host of other Premier League clubs have been tracking the cultured central defender for a number of years, however the Mirror reports that the north Londoners have now stepped up their interest in the 20-year-old.

Arsene Wenger’s trusty chief scout Steve Rowley was at Bolton on Saturday to watch the England Under-20 international in action as Forest drew 1-1 with the Trotters.

Lascelles, who at 6ft 2in tall boasts considerable aerial presence, has become a regular at the heart of Billy Davies’ defence this season, helping the promotion hopefuls into the play-off places and the FA Cup fourth round in the process.

Forest reportedly rebuffed a £5million Arsenal offer for Lascelles in 2011 and are believed to still want to hang on to their academy product as they chase a return to the top flight. However a sizeable Gunners offer could, of course, change their mind.